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The 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a successful end on Sunday with Spain taking home its second title in tournament history.
La Roja defeated Lionel Messi-led Argentina 1-0 in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, to reclaim soccer's biggest prize, which it first held in 2010. Forward Ferran Torres scored the lone goal in extra time to end the title defense of La Albiceleste.
The thrilling finale capped an eventful staging of the quadrennial soccer spectacle of co-hosts United States, Canada and Mexico, with the event setting an all-time record in attendance with more than 6.8 million spectators as per FIFA numbers.
It also posted strong fan engagement, including 20 billion video views across FIFA's platforms and millions of visitors at its fan festivals.
US host cities also experienced increased economic activity, while the tournament further elevated soccer's popularity among Americans, who recorded record television viewership.
Wemby is high on US potential in soccer
Among those who got to witness the conclusion of the World Cup was San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama. The French big man liked how the entire staging was handled in the US and believes Americans can build on it to further grow soccer.
Wemby shared his opinion on the "Men in Blazers" program on YouTube, highlighting how the US provides a solid setting for soccer to flourish and the country to contend with in competition.
"I mean, if America took, you know, football seriously, they could be a problem. It's, uh, I mean, more, they already do, but like more seriously as much as the major sports in here, they could be a problem," the NBA Defensive Player of the Year said. "There's plenty of talent, lots and lots of talent in this country, and I think they're only going to get better."
The just-concluded World Cup marked the US's second straight appearance in the football spectacle and the ninth in the last 10 editions. The Stars and Stripes, under coach Mauricio Pochettino, got off to a strong start, winning their first two matches in Group D, defeating Paraguay, 4-1, and Australia, 2-0.
They lost to Turkey, 3-2, in their final fixture in group play but still booked a place in the quarterfinals. In the Round of 32, the Americans bested Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2-0, on goals by Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman.
In the Round of 16, however, their progress was stopped by a highly determined Belgian squad, which took the match, 4-1.
The 11 goals that the US scored in the World Cup were a record for the team in a single campaign.
Soccer connection
That Wemby is invested in soccer is not at all surprising since it is a sport that he also has a deep connection to. The 22-year-old played as a goalkeeper when he was younger and credits it for the balance, mobility and vision he has been showcasing on the basketball court.
He is a big Messi fan and has a strong affinity for Paris Saint-Germain in the French Ligue 1. Wemby is also a friend of compatriot and superstar forward Kylian Mbappe, who led France all the way to the semifinals before losing to eventual World Cup champion Spain.
"I love playing football. I play in the summer, but I got to say it's always frustrating, because you don't score. Basketball you score every other offense, you know what I mean? Football, you will score once or twice that's already a lot. But what makes it good is that when you finally score, when your team finally scores, you feel that much better," he shared about football.
With soccer getting a significant boost in the US following the recent World Cup, it is now up to the country's officials to capitalize on that momentum. The Round of 16 may not be the end goal, but it is a step in the right direction toward eventually winning a world title.
